Your child is precious to you and precious to God. You want the very best for them, and so does God. You want them to make right choices in life, for themselves and for others. During a Christening (also known as a Baptism) your child will be baptised with water. It’s the start of an amazing journey of faith for your child. A christening is just the beginning of this and so much more.
Over the years to come, it’s a journey you’ll share together with your child by:
• Being there for your child to talk to about the bigger questions of life – questions about hope, faith and love.
• Praying for your child through the ups and downs of their faith journey.
• Showing them practically how to make those good choices in life.
• Helping them to learn more about their Christian faith, through their church and in other ways.
Baptism is a commitment to start as you mean to go on.
BAPTISM POLICY
At St Hilda’s we are delighted to welcome children into the church family through baptism. Our services usually take place on the fourth Sunday of the month at 12:30pm with up to four children being baptised.
We welcome the baptism of any child that lives in the parish. If the child does not live in the parish we are happy to offer baptism if one or more of the follow conditions apply;
• A parent is a regular member of the worshipping community at St Hilda’s (eg has attended on average once a month for 6 months);
• A sibling of the child was baptised at St Hilda’s;
• The parents of the child were married at St Hilda’s; or
• A parent of the child was baptised at St Hilda’s.
Please note that if the child lives in a different parish the goodwill of the vicar of their resident parish will be sought before the baptism takes place.
PREPARATION AND IMPORTANT QUESTIONS
About a month before the service we will arrange a visit to talk through the service and the promises that will be made.
For each child being baptised 3-6 godparents will need to be chosen. Although we welcome and encourage friends from other faiths to be part of your child’s life godparents must be baptised Christians and present on the day of the service.
Any child under 18 must have the consent of both parents named on the child’s birth or adoption certificate for the baptism to take place. We welcome the children of same sex couples and single parents.
Baptism is free. As a church we are dependent on donations to stay open so a collection will be taken at the service and any contribution you can make it hugely appreciated.
You don’t have to be baptised to have your child baptised, however if you aren’t why not be baptised with your child on the same day? It can be a wonderful opportunity to commit to follow Jesus as a family.
We do not offer private baptism services.
GET IN TOUCH
To find out more about having your child baptised contact Rev’d Jenni Crewes or calling/messaging 07377363915.
USEFUL LINKS
The Church of England also has some useful advice covering all you need to know about choosing, planning and going to a Church of England christening.